Paraffin-isomerization catalyst and process
AssigneeUop LLC
InventorRalph D. Gillespie
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An improved catalyst is disclosed for the conversion of hydrocarbons which comprises an alumina support, a Friedel-Crafts metal halide, and a platinum-group metal component, wherein the support comprises primarily eta alumina having defined narrow pore-size and acidity characteristics and a defined diffusion-path limitation. An isomerization process also is disclosed which is particularly effective for the conversion of C4-C7 alkanes.
Claims11
A catalyst useful in the isomerization of paraffinic hydrocarbons having an average pore diameter of from about 35 to about 60 angstroms and a diffusion path which is no more than about 0.3 times the overall diameter of a catalyst particle and comprising an alumina support consisting essentially of eta and gamma alumina in an eta:gamma ratio on a mass basis of from about 9:1 to about 99:1, from about 1 to 15 mass % of a Friedel-Crafts metal halide and from about 0.01 to 2 mass % on an elemental basis of a platinum-group metal component.
A method of preparing a catalyst useful in the isomerization of paraffinic hydrocarbons having an average pore diameter of from about 35 to about 60 angstroms and a diffusion path which is no more than about 0.3 times the overall diameter of a catalyst particle and comprising an alumina support consisting essentially of eta and gamma alumina in an eta:gamma ratio on a mass basis of from about 9:1 to about 99:1, from about 1 to 15 mass % of a Friedel-Crafts metal halide and from about 0.01 to 2 mass % on an elemental basis of a platinum-group metal component by the steps of:
- (a) preparing an alumina base material by the dehydroxylation of one or more of bayerite, nordstrandite and gibbsite;
- (b) forming the base material by extrusion through a die having a trilobal shape into extruded particles;
- (c) calcining the extruded particles hydrothermally at a temperature of between 545° and 610° C. to obtain a calcined base;
- (d) impregnating a platinum-group metal compound on the calcined base to obtain a metal-loaded base;
- (e) impregnating a Friedel-Crafts metal halide on the metal-loaded base by sublimation to form a halided base;
- (f) calcining and reducing the halided base to obtain the catalyst.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.